Diabetes Australia has welcomed the posting of its new president, the job being filled by a former MP and well-known contributor to the field.

Judi Moylan has been announced as the new President of Diabetes Australia at a function at Parliament House. She was introduced to her new position by Federal Health Minister Peter Dutton.

Ms Moylan has worked as chair of the Federal Parliamentary Diabetes Support Group.

She was given the Sir Kempson Maddox Award in 2012 for efforts raising understanding and action on diabetes in federal parliament.

Ms Moylan brings plenty of political experience to the new role, after a 20 year career as a member of the federal parliament and a former minister.

The Health Minister indicated the new appointed could bring about changes in the nation’s approach to diabetes.

“The Government is looking to progress a strategic national approach to diabetes as part of how we manage chronic disease more broadly,” Mr Dutton said

“It is important that a national strategy aligns with the good work already underway to manage diabetes and chronic disease.”

Mr Dutton said the federal government has provided an additional $1.4 million for the Type 1 Diabetes Insulin Pump Programme to provide insulin pumps for another 136 children.

“This is in addition to the 68 pumps already available under the Programme, and will benefit more than 200 children and their families over the next year.”

He also said Ms Moylan would “make a fine contribution to diabetes awareness and policy development into the future.”